Notes on 3 Classical works. Structure, melody, rhythm, instrumentation etc.

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And The Glory of the Lord (from Messiah) -1741

Basics

Composed in 1741

Originally performed in concert halls and theatres nowadays can be performed in a church

First performance was  given by a small choir and orchestra

Performing Forces

Choir made of SATB

Accompanied by Strings and Continuo (accompanying part, made of cello and harpsichord or organ)

Orchestra doubles vocal lines

Structure & Melody

Starts with Ritornello (orchestral introduction)

No set form, based on 4 motifs

1) And the glory the glory of the lord         -        first sung by alto’s, outlines A Major

2) Shall be revealed                        -        first sung by tenors, uses melisma

3) and all flesh shall see it together        -        first sung by altos, descending figure

4) for the mouth of the lord hath spoken it        first sung by tenors & bass, solem

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Rhythym Metre and Tempo

Piece is in 3/4 it is dance like

Maintains allegro until last 2 bars of adagio

Lots of uses of hemiola’s (music feels 2/4 instead of ¾)

Tonality and Harmony

Piece is in A Major, modulates to E Major, then  to B Major (tonic then supertonic)

Diatonic harmony

Plagal cadence to end piece

Texture

Alternates between Homophonic and Contrapuntal Texture

Short monophonic passage in bars 108-109

Handel uses a lot of imitation

Varies number of parts ...

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